Alternate File Shredder
Alternate File Shredder: A free, configurable Windows shredder for files, folders, and drive free space. Ranked #9 of 27 in File Shredder Software by our editors (8.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for windows users wanting free, configurable file shredding.
At a glance
- Editor score8.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forWindows users wanting free, configurable file shredding
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Free-space wipingYes
- Facts checked23 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Permanently deletes selected files and folders
- Overwrites free space on drives
- Configurable passes and overwrite patterns
Where it doesn't
- Does not wipe entire drives
- No scheduled shredding
- Windows desktop utility only
Our verdict on Alternate File Shredder
Alternate File Shredder is a freeware, open-source Windows utility for people who want to permanently delete selected files and folders. It also overwrites free space on drives, addressing a different task from shredding selected items. Its published platform support spans Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11, and Windows Server. The straightforward scope makes it a fit for individual and small-scale Windows use, rather than a broader data-erasure program.
Its main point of control is how overwriting works. Users can configure the number of passes and choose a pattern: a specified value, random data, or file contents used as a template. That gives users options for handling selected files and folders as well as free space, without implying a whole-drive erase workflow. Buyers who specifically need free-space overwriting and configurable methods may find that focused toolset appropriate; those who need to wipe an entire drive should look for a different product.
The product is described as a desktop utility and has no paid tier in its freeware positioning. It does not provide scheduled shredding, so recurring jobs are not part of the described workflow. Its Windows-only platform scope also makes it unsuitable for people who need a cross-platform tool. Choose Alternate File Shredder for direct, configurable deletion on a supported Windows system; choose an alternative if full-drive wiping, recurring schedules, or another operating system is essential.
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Alternate File Shredder pricing
Alternate File Shredder fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Free-space wiping | Yes |
| Files and folders | Yes |
| Drive wiping | No |
| Overwrite methods | Advanced |
| Supported platforms | Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11, Server |
| Scheduled shredding | No |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | alternate-tools.com |
| Facts checked | 23 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Alternate File Shredder
- D-Secure File EraserA broad enterprise erasure toolkit with automation, integrations, and signed certificates.9.3
- BitRaser File EraserA mature cross-platform erasure tool for organizations with privacy requirements.9.1
- R-Wipe & CleanA capable Windows and macOS shredder for scheduled file, trace, and free-space wiping.8.9
See all Alternate File Shredder alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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